"Put up your hands," he commanded. Then to Mr. Black, to whom José was talking: "Take his weapons away from him, Mr. Black."
Realizing at once that something was wrong, Mr. Black obeyed.
"Now tie him."
This was also quickly done, Mr. Black asking at the same time what had happened.
"I can't tell you exactly, Mr. Black, but this man has betrayed us and we are now watched by a squad of soldiers."
Mr. Black's face turned as black as his name.
"Is that true?" he demanded, seizing José by the shoulder with such a powerful grip that the man cried out with pain.
"Oh, señor," he cried, "don't kill me! I will tell you all."
"See that you do," was the command. "One lie and I will wring your neck as I would a chicken. You know me."
"I'll tell the truth. I told the captain at the barracks. He is going to capture all the Americanos and hold them for ransom and I am to have half."